Final AFL game all about winning for Hodge

Luke Hodge is expecting his renowned competitive streak to override the emotion of playing his final AFL game.

With the Hawks to miss the AFL finals, the former Hawthorn skipper will call it quits following their Friday night match against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium after 16 seasons and four premierships.

Hodge says he’s planning to treat his 305th and final AFL game like his first and won’t be taking any special moments through the final round match to soak up the memories.

“I’ll probably keep it pretty much the same,” 33-year-old Hodge told the Hawthorn club website.

“When it comes to football I’m pretty competitive, so I’ll be trying to act like it’s a normal game.

“Once we start playing I’ll be just as competitive as I ever am.”

The retiring great doesn’t want the Hawks to treat him any differently and insists he doesn’t want to be chaired off by his teammates.

“I did that for my 300th and felt uncomfortable doing that so I’m happy just to walk off with the boys,” Hodge said.

Injured Hawthorn defender Josh Gibson is also retiring while for the Bulldogs, it could be the last outing for two of their champions in Bob Murphy and Matthew Boyd, as their side will be out of the finals race with a loss.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said it was special time for both clubs.

“All four have just been fantastic contributors for their footy clubs and more importantly for the game itself,” Clarkson said on Thursday.

“The game’s better for the contributions those four guys have made.

“They’re all very decorated in their service to their clubs and the game, and all fans get a chance to acknowledge that tomorrow night.”

* All Offers and Promotions posted in this article excludes NSW residents.